Venus Williams Opens Up About Fatal Car Crash

Tennis icon Venus Williams has publicly addressed the car crash she was involved in that claimed the life of another person.

The seven-time Grand Slam champ and former top-ranked tennis player in the world took to Facebook to express how "devastated" she is that a 78-year-old man died after she hit his vehicle.

Williams, 37, reportedly ran a red light June 9 and hit a car being driven by a woman named Linda Barson. Barson's husband, Jerome was in the passenger seat and went to a Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. hospital where he died two weeks later.

"I am devasted [sic] and heartbroken by this accident. My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Jerome Barson and I continue to keep them in my thoughts and prayers," she wrote.

"Williams, who was unhurt, told investigators she entered the six-lane intersection on a green light but was forced to stop because of the traffic ahead of her," reports the Chicago Tribune. "She said she did not see the Barsons' car when she crossed into their lanes."

According to the Post, though, witnesses say Williams ran a red light.

Linda Barson has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Williams, reports TMZ. No criminal charges in the crash have been filed.

Williams, meanwhile, is currently in London where she is competing in Wimbledon, which she's won five times.

After winning her opening round match, Williams discussed the accident and had trouble keeping her composure.